The incident on board a Flydubai passenger airliner operating a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has gained new details. According to the latest reports from Israeli media and official sources, claims of a physical fight between a Russian and a Ukrainian national on board have been thoroughly debunked. Instead, the actual course of events turned out to be far more dramatic and threatening to the lives of hundreds of passengers.
Background and Emergency Distress Signals
The airborne crisis began when the aircraft's crew transmitted the international emergency code 7700. The situation deteriorated rapidly when the pilots subsequently activated code 7500, designated for cases of unlawful interference or hijacking attempts. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the airliner, and the flight was urgently redirected to Saudi Arabia, landing safely in the city of Tabuk.
Core Events and the Perpetrator's Actions
According to The Times of Israel and Walla, citing a high-ranking Israeli official, a catastrophic disaster of massive proportions was averted on board. A preliminary investigation revealed that the co-pilot, an Omani national, attempted to commit suicide alongside the aircraft by diving it into the ground. Reports indicate he stabbed the captain—a UAE citizen—who attempted to stop him and prevent a crash.
Contradictory Data
Initially, conflicting accounts circulated in the media landscape. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the emergency codes were triggered by a domestic argument between the pilots that escalated into a physical fight, while social media fueled rumors of a conflict between Russian and Ukrainian passengers. However, official military and government sources completely refuted these speculations, clarifying that the altercation was strictly internal between flight deck crew members.
Aftermath and the Role of the Backup Crew
The critical situation was resolved thanks to the presence of additional off-duty pilot-passengers on board. They swiftly intervened, subdued the suspect, took control of the aircraft, and ensured a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. Competent authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact motives behind the co-pilot's actions.
